Provost chooses charity to support for the coming year
East Ayrshire Provost Claire Leitch has chosen East Ayrshire Young Carers as the charity she will support for the next year to help raise the profile of young carers and the emotional and practical support that is available to them.
A young carer is someone who looks after a member of their family who is ill, frail, disabled, or suffers from mental ill health or a substance misuse problem. Their responsibilities can include household chores, personal care, medication management, shopping, cooking and looking after younger siblings, and they often have to juggle these responsibilities with their schoolwork and their own lives.
East Ayrshire Young Carers are coming up to their 30th year and have over 2000 registered young carers who they support from the age of 5 up until they are ready to move into the adult carers’ service at age 25.
Last year, the charity provided well over 21,000 instances of one-to-one support for young carers in East Ayrshire and this year, it has recognised a further 137 young people as young carers, a number that keeps growing.
The charity runs weekly groups in Kilmarnock, Cumnock, New Cumnock and Dalmellington where children and young people can take a break from their caring responsibilities, have fun and develop friendships and peer support. A full programme of residential activities also take place over the summer holidays, as well as day trips for children who don’t feel they can be away from home for too long.
Other support is also provided in relation to benefits, employment, and applying for higher education.
Provost Leitch said: “The efforts of our young carers can often go unsung. Despite being as young as five, they give of themselves selflessly to support their families, often missing out on things that other young people take for granted, like spending time with friends or even finding the time to finish their schoolwork.
"The fact that they have taken on this responsibility at such a young age is testament to their strength and love for those they care for.
"At the same time, it’s important to remember that these young people are individuals with their own hopes, dreams and ambitions, not just carers. That is why I have chosen this very special charity, an organisation that understands the need to support young carers to not only care for a friend or relative, but to help them realise their own ambitions for the future.
“East Ayrshire Young Carers have provided incredible support for many young people across East Ayrshire and, with everyone's support, will help many more.
“I’m delighted to be able to help them through my role as Provost, to get the chance to celebrate these amazing, selfless young people, and to let others know how they or someone they know can access support if they need it.”
Find out more at: East Ayrshire Carers Centre | Young Carers
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